Every week, I run maternal health sessions that are focused on empowering new and expectant mothers from underserved communities with the skills and resources to navigate the challenges (and delights) of motherhood. In these sessions, we dig into the neuroscience and psychology of being a caregiver, we demystify and destigmatize the different types of mental health challenges that often arise during this time, and we work with them to learn practical skills to manage stress, handle their finances, and advocate for themselves. It’s a program I’m extremely proud of.
But something else is happening too. Under the covers of our program, these women are crafting new ideas of what it means to be a woman and to be a mother. Some of our participants have older children already, while some did not grow up with any kind of maternal figure. Some of them have a significant history of trauma and mental illness, others are driven by a passion to become the best parent they can possibly be. What we are offering these women is not just knowledge, resources, and skills, it’s also community. But even more so, it’s the opportunity to experience new role models and stories around motherhood and........